After a period of closure, MacNeill’s pub in Galway City has reopened in the historic cellars of The Hardiman Hotel on Eyre Square.
Over €400,000 was invested in the refurbishment and repurposing of MacNeill’s with 15 new jobs being created in bringing the pub back to the city.
The pub, which was established within the Hotel in the late 19th Century, has enjoyed various identities over the years including O’Flaherty’s and Fagan’s.
Old And New
The owners of MacNeill’s wanted the redesign to combine the best of old, mixed with new contemporary touches, meaning the refurbished and repurposed pub, retains its classic charm, but with added comfort and style.
The design concept for MacNeill’s came from designer Graham Barrow (responsible for schemes such as Fire Restaurant, Sole Restaurant and more recently Hellfire in Dublin).
"I tend to shy away from anything that looks like it's been ordered from catalogues, preferring a more bespoke, custom-made approach to interior design, thus creating a space that is individual and harmonises with the luxurious Hardiman Hotel above," said Barrow.
Live Music
The pub will feature an extensive selection of Irish and international lagers and craft beers, and a large whiskey collection.
New to MacNeill’s will be an array of bespoke cocktails as well as old favourites with a 'MacNeill’s twist.'
The pub will host regular live music and will invite local cultural artists and performers to take part in trad sessions, poetry and storytelling sessions, local history highlights, and more.
Traditional Irish Menu
Meanwhile, traditional Irish dishes will dominate the Pub’s food menu while 'incorporating contemporary flavours and techniques.'
Local seafood and shellfish will feature strongly, with classic dishes such seafood chowder and fish & chips on the menu. Other dishes include classic Irish stew and traditional bacon and cabbage.
Launch Party
Galway’s 'newest oldest venue' opened its doors on Thursday November 16 with an official launch party.
Guests were treated to Irish dance flashmob Na Rinceoiri, specially curated cocktails, pints, savoury and sweet treats, and a lively session by The Amazing Apples.
Those in attendance included Mary Kennedy, Eleanor Shanley, Celia Holman Lee, insta hit Stephen Kelly of 3Bucks Left, Pam Richardson and her husband Eddie Hoare, The Mayor of Galway.
